The City of Northampton is issuing this statement to caution visitors to the Connecticut River Greenway Park and Boat Launch Area. Thanks to an unforeseen natural deposit of soft sand at the location, an attractive beach has formed next to the boat launch. This area has seen many visitors this summer, particularly during the heat waves Northampton has been experiencing over the past few weeks.

While not all visitors are swimming, visitors must be aware that because there is no city-sponsored or sanctioned swimming at this park, no lifeguards are present. The area is currently posted as a “No Swimming” site. The city has serious concerns about deep water and strong currents in this area, as well as the dangers to swimmers posed by legal boating traffic through this channel. Lastly, because this area is not a recreational swimming site, it is not monitored for water quality.

Given the interest in this spot, the city is moving quickly to evaluate the creation of a regulated swimming area at the Connecticut River Greenway Park, with the hope of accomplishing this for next year’s swimming season, resources permitting. 

In addition to urging visitors not to swim, the city wishes to remind visitors that:

-Consumption of alcohol, building fires of any kind, and littering are forbidden at city parks. 

-City parks are “Pack In, Pack Out” for trash - please take all trash and belongings with you when you leave. Again, littering is prohibited..

-There are no sanitary facilities for toileting at the Connecticut River Greenway Park. Do not leave human or animal waste behind.

-Parking is allowed in designated areas only. Cars illegally parked will be towed, especially cars blocking access to the Northampton Community Rowing Building and the park’s accessibility ramp entrance.

The city is increasing monitoring efforts at the park to ensure that users understand the above requirements for using this city facility.

The city is grateful to the residents of River Run apartments who have conducted voluntary trash cleanups, as well as to Northampton Community Rowing for their efforts to clean up after irresponsible users of the park. 

Everyone must use the area safely and responsibly and respect the rights of community members who come after them to enjoy a clean and pleasant park.

Thank you,

Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra

Police Chief Jody Kasper

Fire Rescue Chief Jon Davine

Director of Communications Kelly Schuetze

Director of Public Works Donna LaScaleia

Director of Planning & Sustainability Carolyn Misch

City Solicitor Alan Seewald

Parking Enforcement Administrator Nanci Forrestall

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